Gary Lynn Thornton

Funeral services for Gary Lynn Thornton, 68, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Clay Thornton and Dave Duren officiating. Special friend, Flynt Blackwell, will read a poem written by Gary. Interment will follow in the Jonesville Cemetery with Luther Bolenbarker officiating.

Mr. Thornton was born March 21, 1950 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Iva Nell (Walker) and Charles Bernard Thornton, and died Wednesday, September 19, 2018 in a local hospital.

Mr. Thornton was a lifetime resident of Angelina County and a 1968 graduate of Huntington High School. He was a Red Devil through and through. Mr. Thornton was a wood hauler and operated Thornton and Son Logging for 38 years. His passion for the logging industry continued even after his accident on June 9, 1988. Mr. Thornton was the sexton of Jonesville Cemetery Association for many years. He was on the Board of Directors of the East Texas Neuro Support Group and was a State Certified Nursing Home Ombudsman. Mr. Thornton was an avid basketball fan and was known throughout Angelina County. He was a member of Timberland Drive Church of Christ and was known for his ability to lead acapella singing.

Survivors include his wife, Sereta Joyce (Pheonix) Thornton of Lufkin; sons and daughters-in-law, Blake and Candi Thornton of Lufkin, Clay and Melissa Thornton of Tyler; daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Ryan Watson of Lufkin; grandchildren, Caly Nolen and husband John of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ethan Thornton of Lufkin, Abby Thornton of Tyler, Cooper Thornton, Brynn Watson, Danica Watson, Corrynn Watson, Annalise Watson, and Emmalynn Watson, all of Lufkin; brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Debra Thornton of Lufkin; sister, Shelia Boyett of Huntington; sister-in-law, Teresa Neal of Longview; special friends, including Robert and Ada Ann Sanderford and Norm and Mary Jane Hellwig; and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by parents; father-in-law, Alton J. Pheonix; mother-in-law, Addie Pheonix; brother-in-law, Ernest Boyett; and a cousin who was like a brother, Doug Thornton.

The family extends special thanks to Abby Pinner, Amanda Russell, Justin Moorehead, Kornelia Stevenson, and all of the healthcare professionals at Texas Home Health.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.